Annette Haugen

A Funeral Service for Annette Haugen, 78, of New England will be 10:00 am Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church in New England. Burial will follow at Our Redeemers Lutheran Cemetery in New England.

Visitation for Annette will take place one hour prior to the service at the church.

Annette passed away on Tuesday, January 7, 2025.

Annette was born in Scobey, MT, as the eldest of seven children to Raymond and Genevieve (Norgaard) Goulet. She grew up in Flaxville, MT, where she attended Flaxville High School, graduating as the valedictorian of her class in 1964.

She then attended Dickinson State College in the fall of 1964, where she met Donald Dale Haugen on a blind double date. They married on October 30, 1965, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Kalispell, MT, and made their home in New England, ND.

Together, they had three daughters: Heidi (born in 1966), Heather (born in 1969), and Holly (born in 1979). 

Annette was very active in the community and Our Redeemer's Church.

As the town librarian for many years, Annette took pride in implementing the Dewey Decimal System to keep everything organized. Bookkeeping was in her blood. She worked at Tri-County Equipment in New England for over 30 years, where she was hired as a bookkeeper and also served as a parts person and delivery driver. Her daughter Heather fondly remarked, “She was the only womans there!”

Annette was on the Zoning Committee for many years and helped curate the New England Centennial Book, capturing the history of New England and its residents, despite being a transplant to the area. She enjoyed learning the town’s history and evolution.

Annette served on the Our Redeemer's Church Council for many years, including several terms as president. She was also a money counter, a role from which she retired at the end of 2024. Additionally, she was active in the altar guild, enjoyed working with the quilters, and attended the weekly Bible study group.

Known for her caring nature, Annette looked out for many people in New England throughout her life. She enjoyed a variety of crafts, including knitting, crocheting, jigsaw puzzles, quilting, and writing poems. Annette also loved playing Scattergories with her family via FaceTime. Handmade gifts were her love language, reflecting her creativity and generosity. She had an extensive collection of owls and spoons, proudly displaying her spoons and always cherishing anything owl-related.

Annette had a remarkable green thumb, excelling as an avid gardener. Her houseplants, especially her orchids, flourished under her care.

She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Donald Dale; daughters Heidi (Gery) Smith of Dickinson, ND, Heather (Dan) Nile of Missoula, MT, and Holly (Travis) Polen of West Fargo, ND; grandchildren Jackson and Alexandra Smith of Fargo, ND, and Jenna and Bailey Nile of Missoula, MT; brothers Duane (Barb) Goulet of Kalispell, MT, and Charlie (Peggy) Goulet of Columbia Falls, MT; and sister Teresa (Carson) Goulet of Elkford, British Columbia, Canada. She is preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Genevieve Goulet, and siblings Valerie, Raenell, and Bryan.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the community of New England and the Our Redeemer’s Church community for their unwavering support. We are especially grateful to Nancy Mellmer for her compassionate care and support for Mom over the past few years. Our deepest thanks also go to Tom Zahn and the New England Ambulance Crew for their dedicated service and assistance.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church in New England or to the New England Ambulance.